This Powerful Goddess was radiant the night she and her lifelong friend made their dream come true of stepping onto the red carpet in style. Loving family and friends traveled near and far to reminisce and honor these two stars who shine brightly in their worlds, bringing laughter and fun to the lives they touch. It was a night to remember with a surprise Mamma Mia number that got the crowd dancing! The gratitude of each guest was palpable, a testament to the Goddesses’ loving warmth, generosity, and inspiration in their strength to prevail no matter what.

As they continue their journey through life’s twists and turns, hopeful hearts hum her favorite tune, Judy Garland’s Somewhere Over The Rainbow:

Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There’s a land that I’ve heard of once in a lullaby.
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream,
Really do come true.

Someday I’ll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops,
High above the chimney tops,
That’s where you’ll find me.

I’m curious to see what book’s in your beach bag! Click on “Leave a Comment” (left) to add to this reading list for long days and hot summer nights, preferably in an air-conditioned haven for me. Happy Summer! xoxox

Kiss Me First

by Lottie Mogach.

A web of sex and identity theft entangles a solitary young woman online.

The Affairs of Others

by Amy Grace Lloyd.

A widow rediscovers passion and possibility in the knotty/naughty lives of her building tenants.

Necessary Errors

by Caleb Crain

Imagine living in Prague and starting anew.

The People in the Trees

by Hanya Yanigahara.

Set in Micronesia, a doctor discovers the Fountain of Youth and other dangerous ideas when cultures collide.

Ava Gardner: The Secret Conversations

with Peter Evans.

Conversations so real they could only be published way after her death.

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“Why don’t you take piano lessons?” a friend inquired. I had confessed I’ve been wanting to step up my self-taught oido repertoire but shudder at the dreary chore of classical training. While I enjoy listening to the elegant classics, I’m more Ella Fitzgerald than Mozart with piano playing. And would my kids let me get away with “illiterate” lessons when they have been required to read flats and sharps? I’m not telling them.

I texted their piano teacher, “Would you like a summer student who wants to play like a pro without reading sheet music?” She’s the hippie improv type despite her classical education so I knew she’d be up for the challenge. Still, I held my breath waiting for her response the next day. “That would be fun!” she said. Whew!

Last week, I sat on her bench and we began, “Show me what you know…” She taught me how to run my fingers so they don’t stumble all over each other as they discovered nooks among the black and white keys they’ve never been before. She tells me to strengthen the little used pinkie and 4th fingers, as well as my ear, by doing the tedious scales. I told her the direction I want to take and she tells me to practice, practice, practice–way before the morning of our next lesson if possible. I notice days slipping by with no time to touch the keys. There’s always one more thing on my To Do list, there’s someone sleeping so “Ssshhh!,” and I can already see the men in the house signing a petition to ban my clunky repetitious tune.

No matter, I’ll persist and be my #1 fan. I could even give procrastinating a break today. I’ll finish this blog and head straight to the keys (not Florida.) And guess what’s my beginner piece? “Summertime,” naturally.

Click on “Leave a Comment” (above left) to share what new tricks you’re never too old to start learning.

Open air dance party with different live orchestras performing the first three weeks of summer. No heat, no rain, no storm stops this party! Even if you don’t dance, you’ll catch yourself smiling seeing everyone having a great time under the stars. Polish your disco shoes and see you on the dance floor for Hustle on July 11th!

Pair dinner at the Boathouse with a reservation for the one and only gondola outside of Venice (and Vegas, of course). You’ll feel like the Queen of the World as you glide across the quiet lake banked by foliage you can’t find in Venice. Let the gondolier serenade you with his repertoire of Italian arias as you wonder if he ever asks his wife, “Honey, do these stripes make me look fat?”

Sing in the rain without getting soaked at this genius installation by the British design studio rAndom International. Artificial rain pours down constantly while a dry spot follows you around. 3D sensors detect your presence creating a haven whichever way you go. Shouldn’t we always feel this lucky?

Click on “Leave a Comment” (above left) to add to this list of fun summer possibilities. xoxox

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Contact the photographer of the Powerful Goddess in you!

For creative glamour portraits celebrating your many facets as a woman, from headshots and formals to fantasy and intimate concepts, near Northern New Jersey, NYC and CT:

Sharon Birke
Text/Cell 1 (201) 697 1947
Sharon@PowerfulGoddess.com

Sharon Birke is the Managing Member of DoubleSmart LLC for Powerful Goddess Portraits

This blog feeds a woman's joy and courage to make the most of what she's got through inspiring books, features on iconic or everyday women, fun tips on relationships, personal growth and worldwide travel.